The remains of at least 117 dogs, many bearing gunshot wounds, have been discovered on the grounds of Miranda’s Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office also found 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and more than 600 dog collars during searches at the 50-acre facility.
Sheriff William Honsal described the scene as "horrific." Investigators located an area within a barn where they believe dogs were killed. The investigation began in April after the sheriff’s office received "credible information" regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud, and conspiracy.
Authorities used ground-penetrating radar to find 117 intact remains buried in an open field. X-rays of 70 of these remains revealed bullet fragments, suggesting gunshot wounds as the cause of death for many of the animals. Investigators also found additional remains in advanced stages of decomposition.
Miranda’s Rescue, which states on its website that it is a "no-kill rescue," collects fees from shelter transfers and donations to cover operational costs. In a statement posted June 18, the shelter’s founder, Shannon Miranda, said that recent media coverage had presented an "incomplete and, in some cases, inaccurate picture of our work." Miranda stated that while the rescue does not euthanize animals simply to make space, there are "rare circumstances" where euthanasia may be necessary, such as when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or poses a serious danger.
The sheriff's office was reportedly tipped off by animal advocates, one of whom owns property adjacent to the shelter and used trail cameras to monitor activity near an alleged burial site. These advocates later entered the property and unearthed dog remains, according to an affidavit.
"This investigation is just getting started," Honsal said. "There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine."
No charges have been filed in connection with the discoveries.